Detail

Plans are moving ahead for the Courtyard Homeless Resource Center, a starting point where homeless individuals can go to access resources all in one place within the Corridor of Hope at 314 Foremaster Lane. Below are the newly released schematic designs that show an early look at the Courtyard’s design and layout by LGA Architects.

The design is bright and sustainable, and features many areas inside and out where homeless guests can gather and feel comfortable. The designs also features artwork and murals to brighten the facility. The 2.6-acre Courtyard will offer three buildings; a two-story intake/administrative building, guest services, and a day center. More than 40 canopies are spread throughout the complex for shade, as well as multiple cooling towers. Outside areas will sleep 500 guests. The facility will also have mail service so that homeless guests have an address when applying for jobs and other services. The courtyard also provides storage for belongings, laundry facilities, a dog run, showers, restrooms and more. The courtyard can accommodate up to 1,000 guests per day and will have lighting and way-finding, as well as security.

City officials have been visiting numerous cities that have similar courtyards, including San Antonio, Phoenix, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco to learn about what’s working well in those cities. The Courtyard is one step to the city’s homeless strategy but not the only step. The city continues to work in other areas to address housing needs and the interventions needed to address mental health and substance abuse issues for homeless individuals who do not choose to use the courtyard.

The design concepts should be finalized this summer. Construction on the $15 million complex is expected to start in the fall.